Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Hasidic Community of Stamford Hill: Non-economic Micro-segregation

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Spatial Behavior in Haredi Jewish Communities in Great Britain

Part of the book series: The Urban Book Series ((UBS))

  • 275 Accesses

Abstract

The case study of Stamford Hill offers a relevant example of interactions between population groups similar in many respects, but each guarding its unique cultural identity. At the municipal level, the research area of Stamford Hill is a segregated Haredi neighbourhood, where demographic, social and economic features have heightened the growing pressure of the population on urban space in recent decades. A closer look at the inner-neighbourhood level, however, exposes the essential “micro-segregation” mechanism that takes place both at the building and neighbourhood levels. The relatively high involvement of the leadership in the community’s daily life leads to a residential concentration of Hasidic communities within walking distance of the community’s religious institutions and overcrowding in these areas. Stamford Hill offers lessons to the literature on segregation and the broad field of inner-city dynamics. This chapter reveals the simultaneous influence of building- and neighbourhood-level factors on the segregation pattern, which contributes to estimating the role of residential dynamics in inner cities for retaining self-identities and reproducing social segregation. It is the individuals’ capacity for self-accountability that keeps the Hasidic community in Stamford Hill functioning ethically. The accepted norm whereby married women devote themselves to the socialisation of the younger generation and housekeeping places the responsibility for making a living mostly on the men. In particular, individuals are expected to organise their lives in a way that maintains religious commitments and communal identity while adapting and negotiating this adaptation to the modern reality in every aspect of their life. Within the Hasidic subcommunities, indirect collaboration within the wider Haredi society of Stamford Hill enables the Hasidic to contribute to the creation of a defined enclave that allows the conservation of lifestyles and cultures. The extended collaboration of the individuals, together with relatively weak community discipline, support and supervision, results in the heterogeneous residential pattern of the inner-city enclave of Stamford Hill.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alfasi N, Flint Ashery S, Benenson I (2013) Between the individual and the community: residential patterns of the Haredi population in Jerusalem. Int J Urban Reg Res 37(6):2152–2176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anselin L (1995) Local indicators of spatial association—LISA. Geogr Anal 27(2):93–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bastian B, Loughnan S, Koval P (2011) Essentialist beliefs predict automatic motor-responses to social categories. Group Process Intergroup Relat 14(4):559–567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum A, Paulus PB (1987) Crowding. In: Handbook of environmental psychology, vol 1. pp 533–570

    Google Scholar 

  • Beckett HE (1942) Population density and the heights of buildings. Trans Illum Eng Soc 7(7_IEStrans):75–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Benenson I (2004) Agent-based modeling: from individual residential choice to urban residential dynamics. In: Spatially integrated social science: examples in best practice, vol 42, no 6–7. pp 67–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Benenson I, Omer I, Hatna E (2002) Entity-based modeling of urban residential dynamics: the case of Yaffo, Tel Aviv. Environ Plann B Plann Des 29(4):491–512

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berman E (2009) Voices of outreach: the construction of identity and maintenance of social ties among Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries. J Sci Study Relig 48(1):69–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blumen O (2007) The gendered display of work: the midday scene in an ultra-orthodox street in Israel. Nashim J Jew Womens Stud Gend Issues 13:123–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Borjas GJ (1998) To ghetto or not to ghetto: ethnicity and residential segregation. J Urban Econ 44(2):228–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Breheny M (2001) Densities and sustainable cities: the UK experience. In: Cities for the new millennium, pp 39–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown LA, Chung SY (2006) Spatial segregation, segregation indices and the geographical perspective. Popul Space Place 12(2):125–143

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruch EE, Mare RD (2006) Neighborhood choice and neighborhood change. Am J Sociol 112(3):667–709

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng V (2009) Understanding density and high density. In: Designing high-density cities. Routledge, pp 37–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Chizhov OP, Koryakin VS, Davidovich NV, Kanevskiy ZM, Zinger EM, Bazheva VY, Khmelevskoi IF (1968) Glaciation of Novaya Zemlya. Glaciol IX Sect IGY Program 18:338

    Google Scholar 

  • Churchman A (1999) Disentangling the concept of density. J Plann Lit 13(4):389–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cimino R (2011) Neighborhoods, niches, and networks: the religious ecology of gentrification. City Community 10(2):157–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark WA, Davies Withers S (1999) Changing jobs and changing houses: mobility outcomes of employment transitions. J Reg Sci 39(4):653–673

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dahan M (1999) The ultra-orthodox Jews and municipal authority, part 1–income distribution in Jerusalem. Hebr Jerus Inst Isr Stud Res Ser 79:1–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Dougherty KD, Huyser KR (2008) Racially diverse congregations: organizational identity and the accommodation of differences. J Sci Study Relig 47(1):23–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dudley CS, Roozen DA (2001) Faith communities today: a report on religion in the United States today. Hartford Institute for Religion Research, Hartford Seminary

    Google Scholar 

  • Elior R (1987) The concept of god in Hekhalot mysticism. Jerus Stud Jew Thought 6:13–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Etkes E, Assaf D, Dan J (1999). Who believes not in the great leaders of all times. In: Etkes E, Assaf D, Dan J (eds) Studies of Hasidism. Hebrew University Press, Jerusalem, pp 125–149 [Hebrew]

    Google Scholar 

  • Flache A, Hegselmann R (2001) Do irregular grids make a difference? Relaxing the spatial regularity assumption in cellular models of social dynamics. J Artif Soc Soc Simul 4(4)

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint Ashery S (2015) Public welfare or sectarianism: a new challenge for planning. Plan Theory & Pract 16(3):299–318

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint Ashery S (2018a) Schelling-type micro-segregation in a Hasidic enclave of Stamford-Hill. Hous Stud. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2017.1414160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flint Ashery S (2018b) Horizontal examination: micro-segregation mechanism in the diverse area of Whitechapel. In: Micro-residential dynamics, pp 25–34. Springer, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint Ashery S (2018c) Effects of identity and belonging on residential experiences, perceptions and practices of the undocumented population in Whitechapel. In: Micro-residential dynamics, pp 73–94. Springer, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint Ashery S, Alfasi N, Benenson I (2010) Micro-segregation of Haredim in Jerusalem. Israeli Sociol 12:81–110 (In Hebrew)

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint Ashery S, Benenson I, Alfasi N, Bekman Y (2012) Schelling-like residential dynamics in a Haredi neighbourhood in Jerusalem. In: Diappi L (ed) Emergent phenomena in housing markets. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint S, Benenson I, Alfasi N (2012) Between Friends and strangers: micro-segregation in a Haredi neighborhood in Jerusalem. City Community 11(2):171–197

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fossett M (2006) Ethnic preferences, social distance dynamics, and residential segregation: theoretical explorations using simulation analysis. J Math Sociol 30(3–4):185–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freud D (2007) Reducing dependency, increasing opportunity: options for the future of welfare to work. DWP, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman M (1991) The Haredi ultra-orthodox society: sources trends and processes. The Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, Jerusalem (in Hebrew)

    Google Scholar 

  • Giffinger R (1998) Segregation in Vienna: impacts of market barriers and rent regulations. Urban Stud 35(10):1791–1812

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonen A (2006) Between Torah learning and wage earning: the London experience and lessons for Israel. The Floersheimer Institute for Policy Studies, Jerusalem (in Hebrew)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottdiener M (1997) The theming of America: dreams, visions, and commercial spaces. Westview Press

    Google Scholar 

  • Green A (2001) Typologies of leadership and the Hasidic Zaddiq. In: Assaf D (ed) Zaddik and devotees: historical and social aspects of Hasidism. The Zalman Shazar Center for Jewish History, Jerusalem, pp 422–440 (in Hebrew)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gropius W (1935) Theatrebau. Reale Academia d’Italia

    Google Scholar 

  • Han Y, Taylor JE (2016) Simulating the inter-building effect on energy consumption from embedding phase change materials in building envelopes. Sustain Cities Soc 27:287–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holman C, Holman N (2002) Torah, worship and acts of loving kindness: baseline indicators for the Charedi community in Stamford Hill. Interlink Foundation

    Google Scholar 

  • Iceland J (2004) Beyond black and white: metropolitan residential segregation in multi-ethnic America. Soc Sci Res 33(2):248–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ihlanfeldt KR, Scafidi B (2002) Black self-segregation as a cause of housing segregation: evidence from the multi-city study of urban inequality. J Urban Econ 51(2):366–390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Interlink (2010) The spatial needs of the Charedi community in Stamford Hill

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs K, Manzi T (2014) Investigating the new landscapes of welfare: housing policy, politics and the emerging research agenda. Hous Theory Soc 31(2):213–227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston R, Poulsen M, Forrest J (2007) The geography of ethnic residential segregation: a comparative study of five countries. Ann Assoc Am Geogr 97(4):713–738

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kasarda DJ (1978) Urbanization, community, and the metropolitan problem. In: Street D (ed) Handbook of contemporary urban life. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, pp 27–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipman VD (1962) The rise of Jewish suburbia. Transactions (Jewish Historical Society of England) 21:78–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lofland HL (2009) The public realm: exploring the city’s quintessential social territory. Aldine Transaction Publications, New Brunswick, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  • Longley PA, Mesev V (2002) Measurement of density gradients and space-filling in urban systems. Pap Reg Sci 81(1):1–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lupo J (2004) Can Shas restore past glory. The Floersheimer Institute for Policy Studies, Jerusalem

    Google Scholar 

  • Malpass P (2000) The discontinuous history of housing associations in England. Hous Stud 15(2):195–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin L, Leslie M, March L (eds) (1972) Urban space and structures, no. 1. Cambridge University Press

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills ES, Hamilton BW (1984) Urban economics scott. Foresman and Company, Glenview

    Google Scholar 

  • Peach C (2006) Islam, ethnicity and South Asian religions in London 2001 census. Trans Inst Br Geogr 31(3):353–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Portugali J, Benenson I, Omer I (1994) Sociospatial residential dynamics: stability and instability within a self-organizing city. Geogr Anal 26(4):321–340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapoport A (1975) Toward a redefinition of density. Environ Behav 7(2):133–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rey SJ, Folch DC (2011) Impact of spatial effects on income segregation indices. Comput Environ Urban Syst 35(6):431–441

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sakoda JM (1971) The checkerboard model of social interaction. J Math Sociol 1(1):119–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schelling TC (1971) Dynamic models of segregation. J Math Sociol 1(2):143–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schelling T (1974) On the ecology of micromotives. In: The corporate society. Palgrave, London, pp 19–64

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Schelling T (1978) Micromotives and macrobehavior. WW Norton, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Schnell I, Benjamini Y (2005) Globalisation and the structure of urban social space: the lesson from Tel Aviv. Urban Stud 42(13):2489–2510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma M (2012) A geographic perspective on intra-urban racial/ethnic diversity, segregation, and clustering in Knoxville, Tennessee: 1990–2000. Appl Geogr 32(2):310–323

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Speare A, Goldstein S, Frey WH (1975) Residential mobility, migration, and metropolitan change. Ballinger Publishing Company

    Google Scholar 

  • Stokols D (1972) On the distinction between density and crowding: some implications for future research. Psychol Rev 79(3):275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tausch N, Hewstone M, Schmid K, Hughes J, Cairns E (2011) Extended contact effects as a function of closeness of relationship with ingroup contacts. Group Process Intergroup Relat 14(2):239–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Telles EE (1995) Structural sources of socioeconomic segregation in Brazilian metropolitan areas. Am J Sociol 100(5):1199–1223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waterman S, Kosmin B (1986) Mapping an unenumerated ethnic population: Jews in London. Ethn Racial Stud 9(4):484–501

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waterman S, Kosmin BA (1988) Residential patterns and processes: a study of Jews in three London boroughs. Trans Inst Br Geogr 79–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T, Lin G (2007) A decomposition of Moran’s I for clustering detection. Comput Stat Data Anal 51:6123–6137

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

    Dr. Shlomit Flint Ashery

Authors
  1. Dr. Shlomit Flint Ashery
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shlomit Flint Ashery .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Flint Ashery, S. (2020). The Hasidic Community of Stamford Hill: Non-economic Micro-segregation. In: Spatial Behavior in Haredi Jewish Communities in Great Britain. The Urban Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25858-0_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation